Preventing Another Massacre

Good laws will never abolish all evil.

It is remarkable how confident so many people are that they know what causes – and just how to prevent – horrific massacres like Friday's bloodbath at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut.

In a TV interview over the weekend, one observer insisted that the mass-murder in Newtown was all too predictable, given America's failure to implement an obvious and desperately overdue reform. "Should we be so surprised that schools would become a place of carnage?" this individual demanded, showing no hint of uncertainty about exactly what needs to be fixed.

Who was that?

Was it Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, amplifying his call for Congress to take a "vote of conscience" and enact a nationwide assault-weapons ban? Or the Washington Post's Eugene Robinson, who excoriates "the National Rifle Association and other apologists for murder" for resisting more aggressive gun control?

Was it Connecticut's departing senator, Joe Lieberman, resurrecting his longtime warning that the brutality that pervades American entertainment "does cause vulnerable young men to be more violent"? Or presidential adviser David Axelrod, enlarging on a plea he posted on Twitter: "All for curbing weapons of war. But shouldn't we also quit marketing murder as a game?"

Was it Liza Long, whose blog post about her son's psychiatric problems – "I Am Adam Lanza's Mother" – went viral, leading to an appearance on NBC in which she argued that the way to deal with mass shootings is to deal with madness of potential perpetrators: "It's easy to talk about guns but it's time to talk about mental illness."

Was it former Education Secretary Bill Bennett, who contended on Sunday that the most effective means to prevent Newtown-style bloodbaths might be to ensure that school employees are armed? Was it Larry Pratt, head of the 300,000-member Gun Owners of America, decrying gun-free zones as a "lethal insanity" that gives homicidal gunmen an unconscionable advantage over their victims?

In reality, it was former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, who asserted within hours of the atrocity in Newtown that 26 innocent souls perished because "we've systematically removed God from our schools." If only Americans would let God in "on the front end," said Huckabee, schools ravaged by murder wouldn't need Him so often "on the back end."

It was a graceless thing to say, and Huckabee was rightly criticized for rushing to exploit a ghastly horror in order to promote his particular agenda. But Huckabee was far from the only offender. In the wake of Newtown there was no end of sanctimony from politicians and pundits who declared not just that America must do something to avert such terrible killings, but that they know precisely what that something is: More gun control. Less gun control. Better screening for mental illness. Restoration of school prayer. No media publicity for mass killers. A crackdown on hyperviolent video games. Armed guards at schools.

How can such terrible evil be thwarted? The desperate need for answers – better yet, for an answer – is always palpable after a Newtown, an Aurora, a Columbine. That urge to turn back cruelty, to find effective responses to anguish and pain, is so intensely human. The yearning for an end to suffering runs deep in our species, and at its best has been a powerful force for justice and progress. "We can't tolerate this anymore," President Obama said in Connecticut on Sunday. "These tragedies must end." At the level of heart and gut, who doesn't share that feeling?

Ultimately there is only one answer: the cultivation of human goodness.

But tragedy will always be part of the human condition. Some evils we can never hope to eliminate – not even with the best will in the world. No regulation or reform can undo all homicidal insanity. Still less can legislation guarantee universal integrity and decent character. It will always take more than law and politics to make men and women kind, honest, and moral.

None of the nostrums prescribed after this year's shooting rampages in Connecticut and Colorado would guarantee that nothing like them will ever recur. Stringent gun laws haven't prevented frightful massacres of students in Norway, Germany, and the United Kingdom. There were mass killings in America long before there were video games – and long before the Supreme Court ruled prayer in public school unconstitutional.

Nightmares like the one in Newtown are rare. Yet a free society cannot make them absolutely impossible and still remain free. Good laws can do a lot, but they will never abolish all human evil. For that, there is ultimately only one answer: the cultivation of human goodness.

Visitor Comments: 64

(45)
Saul Moss,
January 1, 2013 12:29 AM

Good & evil, a necessity

If only good existed with no evil, it would not extend beyond fantasy. What would be the meaning of good if there was no bad? Could a proton exist without an electron, dark without light or night without day? Human minds and perceptions are as diverse as the galaxies and stars in the entire universe. A pedophile sees another of his kind as normal and a thief does not see himself as hurting his victims. It is rather unfortunate that all religions portray a world where only good shall exist.

(44)
Frank Adam,
December 28, 2012 2:52 PM

"well regulated militia" (?)

The NRA and the rest of the "gun lobby" should re-read the second amendment which is primarily about, "a well regulated militia," to which the right to bear arms is a consequence in a time when a lot of people were forbidden as much, as part of their debarment from full participation in society. eg Jews were not called to serve before the Revolutionary Era as they were considered resident aliens/ foreigners in most of the World.
The bottom line is the NRA is NOT a well regulated militia.
The sort of multiple killings at Columbine, West Virginia Tech and Aurora are NOT, "well regulated militia."
The Swiss and Israelis have fearsomely, "well regulated militia," and amongst the lowest gun deaths/ crime figures both in numbers pro rata the population, and as a percentage of their total crime figures.
Historically the 2nd Amendment is a very close form of words to the 37th of the 39 Articles - near enough the English Constitution till the English Civil War - of the Anglican Church which the US Founding Fathers as good Englishmen till 1776, would have known by heart... "it is lawful for Christian men at the commandment of the magistrate [ie legal governmnent] to wear arms [ie swords and knives] and serve in the wars." In the same way that every word of Torah bears meaning when a constitutional usage shifts from, "wear arms," to, "bear arms," it deseves thought. By the 18th century - 1700's - swords were well obsolescent and more a gentleman's rank badge than serious weapons as were pikes; but pikes and muskets are borne in war and NOT worn in daily life as were swords and pistols.
Whatever the arguments for hand guns, and in the countryside for shotguns and rifles, there is no argument for military light machine guns - a squad weapon in a trained unit - in the country of a nationstate at peace.

(43)
Abe Fuchs,
December 28, 2012 3:38 AM

I think character develpment education should be taught in schools.

I tried to promote character develpment education such as we know as Mussar or Midos develpment for a candidacy of mine in Queens NY but no one paid attention. Perhaps one day people will come to accept this idea.

(42)
david hale,
December 27, 2012 4:36 PM

i agree with everything you say about cultivating human goodness. but i will go one step further and say i believe that putting God's word back in schools would be a good seed to sow. The problem is not guns or knives, the problem is people. we need to fix the problem before it manifests itself. just like you don't stop abortion by blowing up clinics or killing doctors, you must start teaching good life principles early in life. no better way in my opinion than instilling God's word in our children.

(41)
Scott,
December 26, 2012 5:23 PM

I agree

I left the US last year to make aliyah and had to return this December for business. I don't think I ever truly saw the US until now. The different levels of incivility and public disregard for others opinions was astounding.
I watched the so called news and all I saw was groups of people insulting each other for what would seem like ideological issues. The blacks and the Hispanics and the whites and the straights and the gays and the Christians and the Muslims and the atheists and women and the men and the rich and the poor all seem to feel marginalized and put upon a the same time and no one is shy about accusing the others of conspiring to take away their rights. It was horrible.
No wonder the frequency of horrible acts by societies most impressionable members is on the rise. Most people simply stomach all the hate but think it resonates with the youngsters and those with mental health issues or going through a crisis. Add in the ridiculously lax gun laws and you have armed crazy people running wild.
Personally I'm amazed that it took this long. And with more than one gun a person in circulation in the states gun control isn't the answer-it's mouth control. Attitude control. It's restoring civility to the public dialogue.
Unfortunately, it's gone too far. I'm afraid we'll continue to see this stuff on a weekly or more frequent basis. especially since the 24 hour continuous news cycle makes the perps famous. Crazy people feeling marginalized with guns using unspeakable violence to become noticed. It's sad.

(40)
A Elbaz,
December 26, 2012 3:49 AM

What is Mr. Jacoby’s idea of a purposeful existence?

It is true that murder has been with humankind long before violent movies and video games, mental health problems, and gun laws. It is also true that it is not appropriate to use tragedies such as this to further one’s own agenda. But if we aren’t searching for solutions, then what are we searching for? It would seem from Mr. Jacoby’s reasoning that trying to make the world a better place is merely a warm fuzzy feeling that in effect does nothing for the helper or those he might help. Is the desire for justice an inexplicable part of our makeup, somehow developed in our evolution as a species? I am surprised that Mr. Jacoby puts forth the idea of cultivating human goodness while dismissing Huckabee’s comment of leaving out G-d. How can you cultivate human goodness without G-d?

(39)
Mordechai,
December 25, 2012 4:41 PM

We Need G-D

Man cannot end massacres and destruction by himself. We need to follow Hashem's law-Love your neighbor as yourself. We can only end the chaos with Divine help. We need to see Hashem in everything and to read the Torah and Zohar. The more Zohars we distribute, the better the chance we achieve
to end the pain and suffering...

(38)
Mr. Hoffman,
December 25, 2012 3:54 PM

Torah in the Heart

Our past,"Bibles out of the classroom", makes armed guards the result,and scrutiny of all. Had we regard for HaShem's Instuction, we would not be in this state. Our studiousness of the better, and not exemplifying base behaviors would have been front page.

(37)
Baruch Ben-Yosef,
December 24, 2012 10:57 PM

Nonsense

Jeff Jacoby's articles usually make sense, but this one, in my opinion, is nonsense. No one ever said that "good laws" can or will eliminate all evil, as it is IMPOSSIBLE to eliminate all evil. Therefore: should we have no laws at all? While waiting for "the cultivation of human goodness", how many more Americans of all ages will be murdered by lunatics (and others) with the now-ubiquitous assault rifles? The problem we're discussing here is multi-factorial, and therefore the solution must be multi-factorial. Sensible gun control must be part of the solution. Another part: better mental health care. If we Americans can afford useless fighter planes (F-22s, for $80 billion, and F-35s, for $400 billion) then perhaps we can afford to pay for better mental health care.

(36)
Steve Skeete,
December 24, 2012 7:11 PM

No answer but Jacoby's!

"There is ultimately only one answer: the cultivation of human goodness". After giving all the other attempts at an answer a failing grade, I was expecting Mr. Jacoby to give us his answer, which he did at the very end without any elaboration. This really makes his 'answer' no better than all the others he seems to be disparaging. He was right when he said incidents, such as shootings by deranged persons can neither be predicted or stopped. We are forced to mourn and move on while doing as much as we can to alleviate the suffering of those who must grieve, with the understanding that 'weeping may endure for a night...'

(35)
larry Uman,
December 24, 2012 1:34 PM

laws help

laws will not stop all wrong doing. But if laws weren't important, why do we have so many of them in the Torah?

Steve,
December 24, 2012 3:24 PM

The importance of Torah law

Laws are important. Yet even the best of laws if not adhered to by humanity do no good. How many of us are even follow the ten commandments?

(34)
Anonymous,
December 24, 2012 8:41 AM

History

This nation has been blessed and with that blessing comes responsibility but if we fail to maintain and upkeep those blessings we take them for granted. The mayor od Chicago has his own massacre that is going on in the streets of Chicago and nothing has been said why? Guns do not murder people but people do because those that owned them have failed to keep them safely away from those that have been mentally challenged. I truely believe as there is Good there is evil and these two do not mix and they do not mix at all so of they are different they have 2 authors. You must look beyong what is happenning and not just run with the flow of the circumstance that has just occurred withemotions running wild but Think logically and with the heart. Guns are not bad and we do have the rights to bare arms ok assault rifles is getting a little of hand but if you live in Chicago or in New York where gangs litterally run a neighborhood or even in Los Angeles or even in a small town you never know. we need to be able to protect ourselves so do not throw the baby with the bathe water.
You ridiculed Governor Huck for his statement at least he said it and think about it really think about it, This nation was founded for religious freedom and the right to bare arms too protect ourselves look at our past when we banned prayer and the pledge of allegiance everything has deteriorated from the 60's till now. We removed the 10 commandments something that has been a foundational stepping stone to making the United States Of America a nation to be looked upon as a Great Nation then Now even our own leaders are fearful of other nations that at one time were looking to us for aid. Come on wake up smell the coffee we are being played as apuppet on a string. 2 chronicles 7:14 come from G-D to Solomon himself please take time and read the whole chapter and you will see the real message that he is saying not to solomon but too US today! "IF MY PEOPLE WHICH ARE CALLED BY MY NAME WILL HUMBLE..."

(33)
Anna,
December 24, 2012 6:35 AM

exploitation

I hate it that some people are using the unspeakable tragedy as a platform from which to launch their own causes. I am passionately pro-life, but this is not the time or place for anti-abortion views and I have read some., comparing the number of children aborted with the much smaller number of children murdered at Sandy Hook. One doesn't cancel out the other. Nor is it the time and place for fundies to demand that schools teach religion-theirs, of course.

Flo,
December 26, 2012 4:12 PM

why abortion is relavent

The lack of respect for human life from its very beginning contributes to the lack of respect for human life in general. How can we teach children that we are no different than monkeys or mangoes, and that we are all just accidents of evolutionary nature, and that it is okay to kill a baby in the womb for convenience, and expect them to respect life? When abortion is considered a RIGHT, why is taking life at age 5 or 6 or 65 any different? It is all a denial of our creator's existence... without the Supreme Law-giver, there is only relativity.

Anonymous,
December 27, 2012 11:39 PM

Pro-life or pro-choice, it is still very easy to teach people that we are different from monkeys and mangoes. This tragedy does not make pro-choice people any less respectful of life, nor make pro-life people any more respectful of life. You are entitled to your opinion, as is everyone, but do not make this tragedy a litmus test.

(32)
Mordechai,
December 24, 2012 4:47 AM

Accountability

It is time for us all to take responsibility for the massacres in the world. Man must finally learn to follow Hashem's commandment to love your fellow man as yourself. Until we unite, we will continue to face future judgements. The entire Torah is based on that commandment. We need to transform
now. Remember, everything happens for a reason...

(31)
daniel kahan,
December 24, 2012 4:45 AM

26 is the numeric value of G-d's name

In reality, it was former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, who asserted within hours of the atrocity in Newtown that 26 innocent souls perished because "we've systematically removed God from our schools." If only Americans would let God in "on the front end," said Huckabee, schools ravaged by murder wouldn't need Him so often "on the back end."
There were 20 children (which represents 3 letters) and 6 adults (1 letter) killed. This is not a random coincidence - see the Talmud at the end of Sotah why exactly 42 "youths" were killed by 2 bears after they insulted the prophet Elisha. The Talmud states that this was because of the 42 sacrifices which Balak the King of Moab offered up to allow Bilaam to curse the Jews in the Desert.

(30)
Juan Gomez,
December 24, 2012 3:42 AM

Acts of kindness

Totally agree, but being "good" is huge. Teaching people, specially children to perform little acts of kindness that eventually transform in habits, and lately in the self, will get us to that place we're terrible wishing for.

(29)
Elizabeth B,
December 24, 2012 2:53 AM

End Gun Free Zones

When some crazy person attacks, my prayer is that my last words won't be, " I wish I had my gun." Firearms are the great equalizer. Only a firearm can equalize a violent encounter between a 112 pound woman and a 200 pound man.
Our founders realized this when they wrote the second amendment. General Gage's actions in disarming the populace of Lexington and Concord in April of 1775, were exactly the reasons the Revolutionary War began. Paul Revere was warning the towns and countryside that the British Regulars were out to confiscate powder and ball. Our countrymen refused to remain defenseless and helpless.

(28)
Anonymous,
December 24, 2012 1:11 AM

Yes, this young man had a diagnosis of autism. However, autism is NOT a mental illness! Please be aware that his psychiatric diagnosis was what caused him to snap. People with autism are generally the victims of crime/bullying, etc. and not the perpetrators.

(27)
Saul Moss,
December 23, 2012 11:58 PM

Anti-gun hysteria

Just the sight or mention of a gun sends many people paranoid and their hysterical thinking results in useless legislation where it is virtually assumed that guns are robotic killers that are quite capable of mass killing all by themselves and without involving evil or psychopathic humans.

(26)
Anne Avram,
December 23, 2012 11:42 PM

LOVE

To teach children how to think not what to think and to love them so they may love others

(25)
Anonymous,
December 23, 2012 11:38 PM

Terrible article

No one is saying all evil can be eliminated so gun control laws and other sensible measures can reduce the acts of evil.

(24)
Christopher Thompson,
December 23, 2012 11:33 PM

Newtown

My father was involved as a combat engineer in the liberation of Dachau; he took horrifying pictures which have been replicated too many times around the world since. The Nazi evil could not be talked to death at a conference table; only force of arms ended it and way too slowly. Gun control and gun free zones, and only government with the guns does not stop the deranged but it does advance the ongoing agenda of Liberals which is to turn this nation into a Socialist dictator-ship, the heartfelt desire of Hussein Obama. Diane Feinstein and Nancy Pelosi each have concealed weapons permits and paid armed guards. Do you? And when Mr. Obama visits an elementary school he is with 50 Secret Service agents who bring AUTOMATIC WEAPONS INTO THE SCHOOL WITH THEM. That is machine guns to liberals.

(23)
Zegota,
December 23, 2012 10:05 PM

"Only through the Powers and Authority of the "One True G-d"

From the very first days of Adam and Eve, right after the apple Evil (Satan) existed on earth and he will until the Heavenly Father returns. It is Evil (Satan) wishes that are now (today) in control with our freewill, it is his wishes that will manage if possible the wills of men today.
It is not the Heavenly Father who causes evil, nor harm today, it is pure evil (Satan) and freewill. For we as humans have choices (praise G-d), but with the power of Evil we usually loose the battles on earth between good and evil.
The Heavenly Father knows this of course, for He knows all, and He promise forgiveness and eternal life with endless possibilities all within His authority and powers. For only the "One True G-d" can and will win, it is only through His authority and His powers can we ever as humans win the battles of good vs. evil on earth.
No laws from men, no legislation, or political leaders on earth can control the Evil (Satan) that is now loose on earth. It is only through our faith and our obedience to the Holy Scriptures can we ever hope too win, and only if we are serious too ourselves, understanding the world governments of today.
We can then easily see that it is not the Heavenly Father that is in control of the world, as well told in the Holy Scriptures, for it is pure Evil, or Satan that is winning. Evil (Satan) will continue too win until the Heavenly Father promises are fulfilled as foretold in the Holy Scriptures.
It is why, Israel and His chosen people are too be respected and honored, and it is why Israel will always belong to the Jews. It is why the United States is running in so many different directions, lost in faith and in spirit. Only, and only through our Heavenly Father, the "One true G-d" of Abraham, Jacob and Isaac can we ever hope to win.
Shalom Israel.

(22)
Rebecca Chesner,
December 23, 2012 9:47 PM

While it is true that evil is a part of the human condition, we also have a responsibility not to remain silent when there is something seriously wrong with our society. I continue to remain puzzled by those who call for banning guns and are silent when it comes to the violent entertainment industry and the dangerous side effects of SSRI's. It has been reported in the news that Adam Lanza lived in the basement of his home and spent hours in virtual seclusion playing violent video games. It has also been reported that he was on the dangerous pyschotropic drug Fanapt (by Novartis) whose side effects include mania, psychosis, suicidal and homicidal ideation (and a whole bunch of other stuff, look it up!). The fact is that most of the mass shooters in the U.S. have been on some type of SSRI drug. If we want to lessen the evil in the world there must be people out there who have the courage to challenge the status quo.

(21)
DANNY,
December 23, 2012 8:50 PM

train and arm the teachers like in israel.

HOW MANY SCHOOL SHOOTINGS HAVE THEY HAD?

(20)
Anonymous,
December 23, 2012 8:28 PM

Sounds good Jeff, but how do you cultivate human goodness, without bringing God into the human heart. You give the symptom facade relief without the cure.

(19)
Anugwa E. Louis,
December 23, 2012 8:00 PM

Just what do you mean: cultivation of human goodness?

I really wonder what this author means by the cultivation of human goodness. After shooting down every suggestion, I was hoping she has a practical suggestion. But there was non! Even a Jew is now afraid to admit that there can be no goodness without the CREATOR and HIS righteous Laws in the affairs of man.
Of course, assault riffles is for the battle fields, and Serious law enforcement. Morality and proper mental health-check for individuals who drive and legitimately bear arms, and of course building s more caring society where war is not part of entertainment,

(18)
Avi,
December 23, 2012 7:17 PM

Too many problems too fix

Today American culture is violent ...
'movies sports games tv shows ...
When i grew up the bad guys never won
road runner never got caught.. the police always caught the bad guys..... Today it glorifies the bad guy.. and celebrates the killing the of the good guy...Thats not what i saw growing up
Beautiful shows like happy days. different strokes.. growing pains whos the boss.. cartoon shows like jetsons, Flintstones,and the smurfs... today its all changed .. u see homosexuality alcoholic fathers abused families ... and the bad winning... why the change welll they say women are attracted to the bad guy image.. who are all these Hollywood writers? id say most of these people are jews.... the then you have the drug companies drugging the kids as soon as they have a sniffle .. im for drug control over gun control.. anti depressants are so dangerous ..... the list goes on and on
Big country with too many people with too many problems
good luck

(17)
Anonymous,
December 23, 2012 6:26 PM

charlieB48 gave the correct answer

NO, GUN CONTROL WILL DO ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. The only thing that will help is EDUCATION.
The 7 noahide laws should have been taught in schools since the 1950s. It says THOU SHALT NOT KILL (among other important prohibitions)
Yes, as Charlie says, children AND ADULTS have to learn to respect each other. They have to know that there is a higher power who will punish them if they sin, AND, having compassion.
Today kids need to show off everything they have especially to hurt other kid's feelings.
they want to be rich - at anyone's expense
Famous- even if it means going clothesless or worse.
they want to have EVERYTHING - who cares if their parents work themselves into the grave.
Don't buy violent games.
prohibit inapropriate television programs or throw out the TV.
The list can go on and on and on. THAT IS HOW THIS VIOLENCE WILL STOP. IT'S EDUCATING OUR KIDS.

(16)
Harry Pearle,
December 23, 2012 6:22 PM

Slow Aggressive Behavior (SPEED CAN KILL LEARNING, TOO)

These murders happened very rapidly. I think it would help to slow movements in school hallways and slow students down, in general. Impatience invites aggressive feelings and behavior........
I also think that learning is inhibited by speed. The shootings remind me of the idea of pounding information into our heads at school. I think that excessive speed and competition can kill learning for many students......."Slow and steady wins the race"... SavingSchools.org

(15)
David Waldman,
December 23, 2012 5:44 PM

There is not enough human goodness. Ban automatic weapons.

Hoping for human goodness is an idealistic goal, like hoping that abstinence will prevent undesired births, but banning multi-bullet magazines in assault rifles and automatic pistols is more practical, like birth control pills and condoms.
These weapons cannot be used for sports like hunting. Their only purpose is for killing people. They should only be available for use by people who have to do that, like law enforcement and soldiers. Making them available to ordinary people is insanity. Only stupid Americans do so, and their illegal transfer across borders creates terrible problems in Mexico and Canada, where I live.
Americans: Smarten up and deal with it, and use your common sense if you have any.

Anonymous,
December 23, 2012 11:10 PM

No benefit to banning "automatic" weapons

Sadly, Mr Waldman is grossly ignorant about guns. The guns used were not "assault weapons", were not automatic. He clearly has no clue about the use of guns, for hunting or otherwise. He says that these weapons "cannot be used for hunting". Millions of us "evil gun owners" use them for hunting as well as target practice. What sort of magic spell makes a gun only usable to murder humans? Anyone that is aware of what is going on in the world should have the common sense to see the utter folly of disarming law-abiding citizens.

Alan S.,
December 24, 2012 11:56 PM

Anonymous needs to be corrected.

I guess ignorance is bliss. From the New York Post:
"The assault rifle used in the Newtown massacre was ..." And: ..."to buy the .223-caliber Bushmaster assault rifle."
...

Dennis Fishbein,
December 24, 2012 1:36 AM

These type weapons are used in competitive sport shooting events.

You can never legislate stupidity ; here with this shooting you had a mother who knew her son had a disorder , why would you teach him and take him to a shooting range ? Why as a responsible firearms owner would you not have trigger locks and a gun safe ?
There should be a national data base for all those who have been ordered for mental health so this can be part of the firearm's background check prior to purchasing a firearm of any type .
Please don't stigmatize law abiding firearm owners with the bad ones .
Secondly check out those anti gun advocates in Hollywood with the recent two movies this weekend , both of which were full of shootings .

(14)
CharlieB48,
December 23, 2012 5:44 PM

Punishing the innocent

We keep making laws but they are either unenforced or unenforceable. More gun laws are not the answer, bringing up our young to respect others and to get help as soon as they feel they can't cope is at least a step in the right direction. Oklahoma City was a bomb blast...they had metal detectors in the building and that stopped absolutely nothing. Evil will happen; it can't be outlawed. What it can be is mitigated by good people who are ready and PREPARED to be involved.

merlincoffee,
December 23, 2012 9:41 PM

punishment? reallllly?

More gun laws {with enough punishment to make them work} are not any type of punishment, but rather a reward for those who do not want children to die by violence.

(13)
Murray P.,
December 23, 2012 5:26 PM

Jacoby's Solution is Vague and Infantile

When I finally reached the end of Jeff Jacoby's litany of solutions offered for the future prevention of mass homicides I was exhausted, expectant, and ultimately, very disappointed.
Of course, if every human being was possessed of angelic qualities, mass killings wouldn't happen. Also, arson, robbery, white-collar crime, insider stock trading, rape, adultery and and a few hundred thousand other crimes would be a thing of the past.
What Mr. Jacoby did not tell us is the mechanism for achieving this angelic state, and I would really like to know is how I, and some billions of my species throughout the world can arrive at his envisioned state of enlightenment.

Bill Murray,
December 23, 2012 8:00 PM

We have a societal problem, not a lack of God problem. ...

I wholeheartedly agree with Murray P's comment and assessment of the article. It is naive to state that the solution is "the cultivation of human goodness". We have severe societal problems with both aggression and violence. That coupled with inadequate care and control of the mentally ill sets the stage for these horrific events. Address the root causes of our problems. The problem is not a lack of religion or the fact that guns are available.

(12)
Mary,
December 23, 2012 4:44 PM

Gun Control Smoke Screen

The gun control issue is a diversion to take attention off the fact that more than 90-percent of these massacres are perpetrated by those on cocktails of psych medications that have black box warnings of aggression, delusion, and suicide. See the ssri website for substantiation. We need to treat mental illness with something that works with the mind and body.

(11)
Sim Prystowsky,
December 23, 2012 4:08 PM

Where was God?

Where was God? Some rabbis said that God had his reasons for this massacre, And only God knows them.

MHB,
December 23, 2012 7:01 PM

Good and Evil

Good and Evil exist and each person can choose. However, the mentally ill in criminal law are exonerated. Ultimately society is paying the price for human beings propensity to sin. Only in Heaven is there no sin.

(10)
JJ Swiontek,
December 23, 2012 4:01 PM

And yet, no one mentions where these shooting happen...

Gun Free Zones
Normally intelligent people actually believe that a law and a sign will stop a deranged, armed killer from doing unspeakable evil.
Gun Free Zones was a social experiment that has failed horribly and continues to fail time and time again yet it continues.
If we have something of value, then we put armed guards around it; banks with money, furs, gems. But not children.
By continuing with Gun Free Zones for schools we are saying that children have no value.
If we agree to ending Gun Free Zones, then we need to decide who needs to be armed in the school.
An excellent example of this is already happening in Israel. In some communities, volunteers take one day a month and sit in the back of the classroom to protect that what is most valuable, life. Those volunteers are heavily armed and trained to be the first responder on the scene.
So, it is time to decide. End the failed social experiment that has resulted in the death of so many, or wait for another senseless mass killing in another 'Gun Free Zone'?

(9)
mickael,
December 23, 2012 3:47 PM

someone actually thought this through

an interesting article. it is rare to hear someone think things through and not give a knee jerk reaction to please their own political or moral views on a subject of this sort. evil will always be a part of the human condition irregardless of how many laws you enforce to make people good and moral.morality cannot be legislated.

(8)
Anonymous,
December 23, 2012 3:31 PM

What about mental illness?

Yes, very true, but what about mental illness? How does one cultivate goodness in a psychopath? Is a person born with a terrible sickness of the mind evil, or most awfully unlucky?? I would very much like to understand this! Do you mean that mental illness IS an 'evil'? Thank you for the very wise article.

(7)
kepha,
December 23, 2012 3:22 PM

firearms

I think what Mike Huckabee said is true, but then who will teach what form of religious view about God? How about if we institute the Covenant that has stood firm since it's conception is from the Creator, and is the only way to cultivate human goodness. Does teaching a child or adult to not steal, religious? Or how about not trespassing on your neighbor? Don't murder? Are these religious? The word religion is not even found in the scriptures, so why not replace that with Covenant! Is anyone against a Covenant? Society needs to make Covenant with their maker, and with their neighbor. Why not teach the only Covenant that has ever been shown to bring peace and cultivate human goodness?

(6)
Anonymous,
December 23, 2012 3:21 PM

Antone with a conscious would recognize the immediate need to ban automatic weapons to start. These massacres increasing faster than we can process the tragedy and wounds it leaves behind. Americans are so hung up about their freedom, to own killing machines.How many innocent will die for this freedom.

(5)
David,
December 22, 2012 11:25 PM

Unbelievable!

I can't believe a Jewish website spoke out against the only person I heard discuss God as a way for solving social ills like the one seen in CT!
Gun laws are not enough.
Security is not enough.
Accepting such horros as "part of the human condition" are not only dangerous but are completely contradict the Jewish concept of personal and social Teshuva.
Cultivating personal and social character is the only way to cure society of such ills.
So disappointing to hear such an approach from a Jewish website.

Wayne,
December 23, 2012 4:11 PM

Way to go David!

Evil's best friend is the silent acceptance of such horrors as part of the human condition; it just articulates the various points of views and resigns to the "fact" that it's apart of us and bigger than us, and worse will always be with us. Yeah HaShem said we should go and take the land by cultivating human goodness, and evil will leave on its own accord;) And then in the end all we need to do is make a treaty with evil doers; and trust they will opt for a nice warm bath in Lake Gehenna of their own free will.

jeremy,
December 23, 2012 4:26 PM

did u read the article?

The author said Huckabee used the atrocity to push his agenda. Did he push or not?

(4)
Brad,
December 22, 2012 7:55 AM

People, wake up!

I am American and have lived in England for many years, so I am very familiar with both cultures. Gun control will not solve everything but , importantly, can help.
After the Dunblaine tragedy, the UK banned handguns. Guess what, shootings are extremely rare. Now we have knife crime in the UK, and guess what, legislators are looking for ways to ban youths from carrying knives. This is a rational response to the fact that some people are capable of moments of insanity. The US should learn some lessons from this.
People against gun control in the US, say, yes but what about Norway which has strict gun control. This happened on a remote island and the Norwegian response was poor which is why so many died. Had the same thing happened in the UK, the response would have been much quicker, and fewer would have died.
The issue is the "pattern", not the number dead. Jews should know this better than anybody!! In Israel,which has excellent early warning systems and bomb shelters reduce the number of deaths. It's not the number of Israelis who die but the pattern of the Gaza rockets that identify the problem.
Well the pattern of gun-related deaths is America is the issue, not that Norway had a disorganized response, or that one crazed taxi driver in the North of England last year shot 6 people. These are rare events, in gun controlled societies, which also happen to have excellent free health care systems.
America has the lethal combination of lax or no gun control and poor health care systems (unless you are rich or have insurance), so sadly, these killings will continue, unless America wakes up!!

Silky,
December 23, 2012 1:51 PM

What has health care got to do with this?

I understand why you talk about gun control although you say knife crimes have now risen. What will happen after knives are outlawed? I don't understand why you are talking about health care. Do you really believe that more mental health care would have prevented this? They young man was autistic. In NY (I don't know Connecticut's laws) I am pretty sure he would have been eligible for some kind of free health care. Unfortunatally, the laws say that someone can not be committed unless he is a danger to himself or others. The news all over said he never showed signs of violence before. It is a problem that many mentally ill people DO NOT go for help no matter how low the cost.

Cincinnati,
December 23, 2012 4:34 PM

Agree

Health care and controls are not the issue. In fact, the "controllers" believe the mentally ill have a "right" not to get treatment. Since those that are ill don't believe they have a problem, they will never get treatment. Consequently, their "rights" infringe on ours (such as the right to have a gun - to name just a few) and the the honest law abiding citizen suffers.

Pinny,
December 23, 2012 3:45 PM

The facts don't concur with your statement

Are you aware that New York City and Chicago which have some of the strictest gun control laws in the U.S. also have the highest number of gun crimes?
Are you aware of the THOUSANDS of crimes that are averted each year in the U.S. just by the would-be victim displaying that they HAVE a gun (without using it!)?
Of course the headline "Couple NOT attacked last night" will never make it to the headlines because it is a non-event, but had they NOT had a gun to display to their would-be attacker, the story WOULD HAVE ended up as a headline.
You mentioned Israel, are you aware of how many terror attacks were prevented or stopped quickly because of armed civilians?!?
The bottom line is that criminals, by definition, don't care about keeping the laws, so no gun law will keep THEM from somehow getting guns. All excessive gun laws do is keep decent law-abiding citizens from getting guns and HELP the criminals because then the bad guys can usually be reasonably sure that their intended victims will be unarmed and unable to defend themselves.
The solution is a combination of things...1) Making guns legal and available for those who trained and are checked out to have no criminal of mental issue background. 2)Banning the ultra brutal, bloody, savage video "games" that so many kids spend so many hours per week immersed in (as well as that genre of movies and TV shows) which so terribly desensitizes kids to pain and suffering and death. AND, of course bringing G-d and morality back into an increasingly secularized, amoral, narcissistic world.

Anonymous,
December 27, 2012 11:46 PM

Health Care??

This tragedy is somehow related to Health Care?
Please stay focused -- though more dollars need to be spent on mental health, the actual health care system in America generally works, for those that can afford to buy insurance or pay for it themselves. Gun control is the the real issue here.

(3)
Rabbi Tzvi Nightingale,
December 20, 2012 5:37 PM

Yeah but...

From a letter in this week's NY Times: Germany, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Spain, Canada, Australia and the Netherlands have a combined population of almost 391 million, as compared to the United States’ less than 312 million. The total number of gun homicides in those countries in the latest available year — 2010 for Germany, 2009 for the others — was 906. In the United States in 2010, that number was 9,960, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
NOAH BOKAT-LINDELL
Montclair, N.J., Dec. 17, 2012

Alan S.,
December 21, 2012 9:09 AM

Sadly, American life has always been invaded by the ravages of the gun, from it's earliest days. While this comment is fair to make when talking about how guns have destroyed the soul of America, and it is a fair comment to make when discussing gun ownership here in America -- this comment is not apropos in response to Mr. Jacoby's always-excellent articles.

John Smith,
December 21, 2012 10:17 AM

It's not that simple.
Gun laws vary by state and some of those with the toughest gun laws like NY and IL still see high numbers of murder by gun.
You can pass all the laws you like but it will not deter those bent on committing a murder, robbery or rape.
Incidentally gun laws in the countries you mentioned did not prevent murders by gun.

(2)
Anonymous,
December 20, 2012 1:30 PM

You are right when you say that good laws cannot abolish all of the evil in the world. However, the system we have in place now is NOT WORKING and we must make a change. Too many people in this country have died because of gun violence. We can and MUST enforce stricter gun laws and we must also provide our citizens with affordable and appropriate mental health services. Don't let perfect become the enemy of the good.

(1)
Esther,
December 20, 2012 12:58 PM

You'rs saying nothing will work, so don't even try???

This seems like a thinly-veiled apology for America's lax gun control laws to me. The reason so many Americans are calling for stricter controls on guns now is because it's obvious that our easy access to guns makes massacres like this more possible and much more frequent. In fact, the same day of the Sandy Hook massacre, another deranged individual attached children in a primary school - in China. He was armed with a knife (because guns are hard to purchase in China), so he stabbed 20 children - all of whom survived. The NRA has been saying for a long time "guns don't kill people; people kill people" and Mr. Jacoby seems like he might agree with that. But the very low murder rates in other countries (yes, including Britain and Norway and the other nations Mr. Jacoby mentioned, which might have had an instance of gun violence, but hardly every week as in the US) is because other countries make it difficult to own guns. Having untrammelled access to any and all types of weapons isn't "freedom", Mr. Jacoby: it's madness. America regulates toy guns (which have to have an organge tip) more than we regulate real guns. The country is finally realizing this has to change.

Anonymous,
December 21, 2012 9:13 AM

Don't blame Mr. Jacoby....

I am not defending Mr. Jacoby, as I think this article was excellent. But, I read the same article as you, and I didn't read one line that Mr. Jacoby wrote that says "nothing will work, so don't even try?" Please ascribe fair commentary by being accurate. Anonymous's comment #2 is similar to yours, but accurately reflects an opinion, and does not misstate a fact.

Ruby G.,
December 23, 2012 5:44 PM

Working on ourselves is the best we can do!

BS"D
I feel helpless when I hear of tragedies like this one in Connecticut. But Mr. Jacoby's article got me thinking about what might prevent such tragedies in the future. Besides stricter gun laws or other measures that might help, each of us could take on one small step to refine our own character. Maybe holding back during a certain hour of the day not to gossip or listen to gossip about others. Maybe reading a little each day about avoiding anger, gaining patience, or growing in kindness. Rabbi Zelig Pliskin wrote little books on each of these topics. Or maybe, visiting a nursing home, once a month or thanking the Creator of the Universie before we eat a meal. The options are endless. And the results might just bring more goodness into the world which is what Mr. Jacoby is talking about.

I just got married and have an important question: Can we eat rice on Passover? My wife grew up eating it, and I did not. Is this just a matter of family tradition?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

The Torah instructs a Jew not to eat (or even possess) chametz all seven days of Passover (Exodus 13:3). "Chametz" is defined as any of the five grains (wheat, spelt, barley, oats, and rye) that came into contact with water for more than 18 minutes. Chametz is a serious Torah prohibition, and for that reason we take extra protective measures on Passover to prevent any mistakes.

Hence the category of food called "kitniyot" (sometimes referred to generically as "legumes"). This includes rice, corn, soy beans, string beans, peas, lentils, peanuts, mustard, sesame seeds and poppy seeds. Even though kitniyot cannot technically become chametz, Ashkenazi Jews do not eat them on Passover. Why?

Products of kitniyot often appear like chametz products. For example, it can be hard to distinguish between rice flour (kitniyot) and wheat flour (chametz). Also, chametz grains may become inadvertently mixed together with kitniyot. Therefore, to prevent confusion, all kitniyot were prohibited.

In Jewish law, there is one important distinction between chametz and kitniyot. During Passover, it is forbidden to even have chametz in one's possession (hence the custom of "selling chametz"). Whereas it is permitted to own kitniyot during Passover and even to use it - not for eating - but for things like baby powder which contains cornstarch. Similarly, someone who is sick is allowed to take medicine containing kitniyot.

What about derivatives of kitniyot - e.g. corn oil, peanut oil, etc? This is a difference of opinion. Many will use kitniyot-based oils on Passover, while others are strict and only use olive or walnut oil.

Finally, there is one product called "quinoa" (pronounced "ken-wah" or "kin-o-ah") that is permitted on Passover even for Ashkenazim. Although it resembles a grain, it is technically a grass, and was never included in the prohibition against kitniyot. It is prepared like rice and has a very high protein content. (It's excellent in "cholent" stew!) In the United States and elsewhere, mainstream kosher supervision agencies certify it "Kosher for Passover" -- look for the label.

Interestingly, the Sefardi Jewish community does not have a prohibition against kitniyot. This creates the strange situation, for example, where one family could be eating rice on Passover - when their neighbors will not. So am I going to guess here that you are Ashkenazi and your wife is Sefardi. Am I right?

Yahrtzeit of Rabbi Moses ben Nachman (1194-1270), known as Nachmanides, and by the acronym of his name, Ramban. Born in Spain, he was a physician by trade, but was best-known for authoring brilliant commentaries on the Bible, Talmud, and philosophy. In 1263, King James of Spain authorized a disputation (religious debate) between Nachmanides and a Jewish convert to Christianity, Pablo Christiani. Nachmanides reluctantly agreed to take part, only after being assured by the king that he would have full freedom of expression. Nachmanides won the debate, which earned the king's respect and a prize of 300 gold coins. But this incensed the Church: Nachmanides was charged with blasphemy and he was forced to flee Spain. So at age 72, Nachmanides moved to Jerusalem. He was struck by the desolation in the Holy City -- there were so few Jews that he could not even find a minyan to pray. Nachmanides immediately set about rebuilding the Jewish community. The Ramban Synagogue stands today in Jerusalem's Old City, a living testimony to his efforts.

It's easy to be intimidated by mean people. See through their mask. Underneath is an insecure and unhappy person. They are alienated from others because they are alienated from themselves.

Have compassion for them. Not pity, not condemning, not fear, but compassion. Feel for their suffering. Identify with their core humanity. You might be able to influence them for the good. You might not. Either way your compassion frees you from their destructiveness. And if you would like to help them change, compassion gives you a chance to succeed.

It is the nature of a person to be influenced by his fellows and comrades (Rambam, Hil. De'os 6:1).

We can never escape the influence of our environment. Our life-style impacts upon us and, as if by osmosis, penetrates our skin and becomes part of us.

Our environment today is thoroughly computerized. Computer intelligence is no longer a science-fiction fantasy, but an everyday occurrence. Some computers can even carry out complete interviews. The computer asks questions, receives answers, interprets these answers, and uses its newly acquired information to ask new questions.

Still, while computers may be able to think, they cannot feel. The uniqueness of human beings is therefore no longer in their intellect, but in their emotions.

We must be extremely careful not to allow ourselves to become human computers that are devoid of feelings. Our culture is in danger of losing this essential aspect of humanity, remaining only with intellect. Because we communicate so much with unfeeling computers, we are in danger of becoming disconnected from our own feelings and oblivious to the feelings of others.

As we check in at our jobs, and the computer on our desk greets us with, "Good morning, Mr. Smith. Today is Wednesday, and here is the agenda for today," let us remember that this machine may indeed be brilliant, but it cannot laugh or cry. It cannot be happy if we succeed, or sad if we fail.

Today I shall...

try to remain a human being in every way - by keeping in touch with my own feelings and being sensitive to the feelings of others.

With stories and insights,
Rabbi Twerski's new book Twerski on Machzor makes Rosh Hashanah prayers more meaningful. Click here to order...